by Moira Holden
Children in primary and secondary schools are to have lessons in how to look after their money.
The implementation of the My Money scheme comes at a time when children are becoming more savvy about the effects of the credit crunch.
A survey by Populus of 1,000 parents and children, aged seven to 15, found 70 percent were discussing money more than at the same time last year.
Parents polled said the financial squeeze was leading to more conversations about money at home, but they don't want their children burdened.
Nearly eight out of ten parents said they normally avoided exposing their children to money worries.
Almost a third (30 percent) said they avoided the topic of money at home and quarter of these said that was because childhood should be a carefree time.
The My Money programme, led by the Personal Finance Education Group charity, will look at how money is used and debt.
Chief executive Wendy van den Hende said: 'The spending changes that many families are making can actually provide an opportunity to get conversations started at home and talk about practical ways of managing money.
'Delivering money lessons with real-life relevance is central to the My Money financial education programme.'
The survey revealed over half (55 percent) have stopped trips to the cinema and other entertainment.
A third of families has opted not to take a holiday this year in a bid to save money.
And 62 percent have stopped having takeaways and meals out.
